Item: Spatial Variability of Snow Characteristics and Snow Stability
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Title: Spatial Variability of Snow Characteristics and Snow Stability
Proceedings: Proceedings Whistler 2008 International Snow Science Workshop September 21-27, 2008
Authors:
- Pavel A. Chernous [ Center for Avalanche Safety, “Apatit†JSC, Kirovsk, Murmansk Region, Russia ]
- Nikolay V. Barashev [ Murmansk State Technical University, Murmansk, Russia ]
- Yuri V. Fedorenko [ Polar Geophysical Institute, Apatity, Murmansk Region, Russia ]
Date: 2008-09-22
Abstract: It is commonly recognized that spatial variability of snow characteristics is an obstacle for precise snow stability assessment. The work has been done to answer how the data about snow, obtained in a relatively small part of a slope, are tied to those for the whole slope, how the variability depends on scale, and how variable are characteristics of the surface and buried snow layers. Numerous measurements of snow thickness, density, shear strength and temperature have been carried out to describe the variability at specially chosen study plots in the Khibini Mountains. The correlation and spectral analyses have been used for the obtained data processing. Different numerical parameters of spatial statistical structure of the snow characteristics are submitted. Statistical simulation of the snow characteristics fields is described. The errors of interpretation of the snow characteristic point measurements for snow stability assessment are considered. The research was supported by RFBR (grant 08-05-00883-a).
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Pavel Chernous
Keywords: avalanches, snow variability, stability assessment
Page Number(s): 948
Subjects: snowpack modeling microstructure variability
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